A bath in the big tub

Tonight Anna took a bath in the bathtub for the first time! She splashed a lot and seemed to have a great time.

Steak 'N Shake

Mirror fun

Arachnaphobia

I am afraid of spiders. Very afraid of spiders, in fact. I am such a wuss about it that I go and get Bryan whenever I see one and make him "take care of it." This usually means that he lets it free outside. There is a system in place in the event that Bryan is not at home. My dad and I developed it when I was a kid. I'm too afraid of the spiders to actually kill them or move them myself, but I can usually get close enough to trap it under a glass or bowl. Then I put something heavy on top so it doesn't escape before Bryan gets home. He often comes home to find something like this.

Jogging stroller + Rollerblades

Today I pulled out an old pair of rollerblades that used to be my mom's. I strapped them on and loaded Anna into her jogging stroller to go for a ride. This excursion reminded me of two key facts.

1. I am a pretty crummy rollerblader. More specifically, I am lousy at stopping while rollerblading. (Before the grandparents get too worried about their grandaughter's welfare, I'd like to point out that our area is relatively flat. It would be difficult to get going all that fast. Also, the jogging stroller has a brake.)

2. I am very out of shape.

Hmmm... perhaps I need a little bit more practice.

Memorial Day cookout

Today we grilled on our patio with Anna's Grandma and Grandpa Van Hal. We all had a great time!

Tonight we went to our friend Spools' house for dinner and a bonfire.

My little pal

Two firsts

Today Anna experienced two firsts. She drank water and she drank from a glass!

A new toy for Mom

I got a great deal on a jogging stroller today at a garage sale. Our regular stroller has been getting a little bit too much wear and tear on it because we use it outdoors so frequently.

A happy homecoming

Bryan was released from the hospital this morning! Anna was so happy to see her Daddy again! Many thanks to Laura, Barb, Lindsey, and Karissa for watching Anna so that I could visit Bryan during his stay.

Giggling with grandma

Splish splash

Buddies

This is Anna and Lillian. They're buddies.

Playing around

A rough night

Today Bryan experienced some severe bleeding due to his Crohn's disease. We ended up having to call an ambulance tonight at about 9:30. He received a transfusion shortly after arriving at the hospital. The doctors did some exploratory procedures and discovered that the bleeding had stopped on its own. He will be monitored in the hospital for the next couple of days to ensure that the bleeding does not begin again.

Funny faces

Watch this, ma!

New Orleans, Day #2

Today we attended two graduations cermonies. The first was for Kathryn's undergraduate degree, the second was for her graduate degree.

The undergraduate ceremony was definitely this most interesting I've ever attended- it included jazz music, Marti Gras dancers, and fireworks.

Introducing... Samson, the kitten Anna has adopted. Isn't he cute?